Drug benefit needed

Posted: Sunday, May 26, 2002

Members of our community, no matter their age, are at the mercy of high prescription drug costs. To remedy this potentially devastating financial overburden, we must act now and put a prescription drug benefit in Medicare.

The elderly, people on fixed or low incomes, and young disabled folks who don't have access to or can't afford prescription drugs are hurting. Others who may earn a good living or who are retired and living well on their fixed incomes also have to deal with being able to afford prescription drugs. The costs are outrageous.

Our community pays a big price because Medicare lacks a prescription drug benefit. Some of our citizens are forced to scrimp on needed medicines so that they can buy food or pay for childcare. More people end up sick, unable to work, unable to take care of themselves, and often relying upon others for support. Prescription drugs can also be a great deterrent to hospitalization in many instances. It is time that our elected officials realize it makes sense to get necessary prescription medicines into the hands of the people who need them at prices they can afford.

Please contact our congressional delegation. Tell them that putting a drug benefit in Medicare is the right thing to do.